Since I know some of you are headed back to an office for the first time in a while, I wanted to share a few work outfits for this transitional time between summer and fall! If you’re still in the midst of a heat wave, just leave off the top layer until you’re at work getting blasted by that notoriously cold office AC. Each of these looks start with a simple base of my camel pants + a white top, plus pieces that I’d include in a workwear capsule wardrobe. You can also swap in flats or mules to dress down almost any of these outfits!
1. White Button Up
A ubiquitous piece but the right cut, fit and material can be so hard to find! This particular one isn’t perfect but has been the one I reach the most for ever since I got it last year. It needs occasional steaming, but I love the lightweight feel, and the relaxed yet not too boxy fit. I wear this at least once a week whether it’s with denim cutoffs, half tucked into my Levi’s, or knotted over a dress. I’ve also shown it both tucked and untucked here for these office-friendly outfits!
2. Camel Ankle Pants
Classic, Petite & Tall inseams, sizes 00 – 12 in 5 neutral colors
The J.Crew Cameron pants have been one of my go-tos for years in the ankle pants category. They have much less of a waist gap on me compared to most other brands, and the smooth material and tailored cut feels nice quality. See a few of the ways I’ve styled them over the years. To dress these down a bit, pair with ballet flats and an untucked button down shirt like shown above!
3. Boyfriend Blazer
Regular & Petite sizing in 3+ colors
A slightly longer, more relaxed blazer is a great addition to a business casual wardrobe and can easily be taken from work to weekend paired with slim jeans or even a dressy pair of shorts. I shared my review of this Express blazer in this post, but it’s a thicker ponte-like material and the xxs petite fits well on me though is a tad bit at the shoulders. This just became available online in a white color for petites, and I heard there’s a similar camel one that might be arriving in petite sizes soon!
4. Sweater jacket
My exact sweater jacket was sadly discontinued last year, but they now have the Eloise sweater blazer which by comparison runs a bit more oversized but has a very similar look. I also wanted to share a couple alternatives if you want something knitted with a different shape! J.Crew factory has a more fitted sweater blazer that is now available in Petites, and J.Crew regular has a longer Juliette drape cardigan jacket (read my review), as well as an extra long one that would be a duster length on petites.
Hi Jean, love all these styles still! Did you get the everlane silky cotton button up shirt in “off-white”? When I go on their website now, that’s the only white option that is available.
These are all so cute! I love the Boyfriend Blazer!
Demi
Hey Jean, is the Everlane shirt wrinkle free? Does it need to be ironed every time it’s out of the washer-dryer?
Hi Melody, the button up is not wrinkle free and I do steam it somewhat regularly, but I like the fit and lightweight aspect enough to do so!
Thank you for making this great post. I was on a lookout for some new dress pants so learning about this style from J.crew comes in very handy. Plus I appreciate you giving us styling options. Nothing beats some nice visuals!
This is a relevant and timely post for me, thanks for the inspiration as I apprehensively return to an office. Love these looks.
Thank you for these great ideas! Any notes on the Sezane sweater, especially sizing? Would love to see a Sezane post. I am similar in size to you and have been wanting to check them out, but it is hard to find reviews from other petite ladies.
Hi Amelia! This is the only item I’ve purchased from Sezane – I keep meaning to do a post but you can kind of see the fit better on me here: http://liketk.it/3iCw2
The Xxs in this is a nice slouchy fit! However I have heard some of their other pieces esp pants dresses and jackets are designed more for a taller frame.
That is so helpful! Thank you!!
I’ve ordered a few dresses and blouses from sezane (I’m french style-obsessed) and have found they do run a bit big for petites but you can usually find success by sizing down. Also their returns are free and easy – so its worth trying them out!
Curious to hear from anyone who’s tried their shoes?
Hi Amy. Thanks for your comment. I am also French-style obsessed. I was looking for some more information on Sezane. I’m glad to hear their returns are free and easy. I haven’t tried their shoes but really like the Jack sneaker. Have you tried any pants?
Thank you Jean. I’m interested in a Sezane post if you are still considering one.